By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Jul. 25 2008
MEQUON, Wis. — Among the four players not accompanying the Rams on their
charter flight here was running back
Steven Jackson. That development raised
some eyebrows, because Jackson is entering the final season of his original
four-year contract and is seeking an extension.
Coach Scott Linehan explained that Jackson was given permission to travel
independently, as were fellow veterans Anthony Becht and Dante Hall.
Plus, Linehan reported, talks have begun with Jackson's recently hired agent,
Eugene Parker, on a new deal. In fact, a team official confirmed that the two
sides were in discussions late Thursday night.
"That has been a priority," Linehan said. "I know within the last couple of
days there has been dialogue. Our hope is that will be done pretty soon."
AVERY UNSIGNED
The other player who didn't board the plane in St. Louis was rookie wide
receiver Donnie Avery, the team's second-round draft choice. Avery had not come
to terms on a contract, the only one of the Rams' eight draftees still unsigned.
Avery officially would be considered a holdout at 9:15 a.m. today, when the
first mandatory meeting is scheduled. Linehan said he was confident that Avery
would be on hand.
"We anticipate him soon," Linehan said. "He's a young player and he needs to be
in camp. We talked about it (Thursday), and he knows that."
Avery, a 5-foot-11, 184-pound speedster from the University of Houston, was the
first selection in the second round, No. 33 overall. He was impressive during
the spring and should compete for a spot among the team's top four wideouts.
PACE ON ROSTER
Contrary to reports elsewhere, tackle
Orlando Pace has not been placed on the
physically-unable-to-perform list. Pace, recovering from a shoulder injury
suffered in last year's season-opener, will be limited for the first part of
camp but remains on the 80-man roster.
Defensive tackle Adam Carriker, also recovering from shoulder surgery, expects
to be cleared soon — possibly even today — for full contact. "They're just
going to monitor me and see how it feels, see how it reacts," he said. "But it
should be fine."
RAM-BLINGS
One practice is planned for today, a 1-hour, 55-minute session beginning at
4:20 p.m. The first two-a-day schedule is Saturday, with 90-minute workouts at
8:45 a.m. and 4 p.m. … All practices are free and open to the public. Parking
on campus costs $5. … For camp updates, call 314-516-8852 or check
The official site of the St. Louis Rams - Home Page. … Today's weather report for Mequon: a high of 83 degrees
with a 30 percent chance of rain.